Christmas

Since our family doesn't get to all be together often during the year, I had in mind that this moment would be our Christmas card to our friends and family.  Yep, I totally lagged this year and didn't do a thing.  No baking or cards, and I LOVE Christmas cards!  Every time a Christmas card would come in the mail I would get so excited, then think of how lame I was being.  Maybe recipients of cards don't feel the same way I do about them, but that's ok.

 

This year has definitely had its ups and downs.  But I am thankful that above all, I've had some serious time to reflect and realize that life is what we make it.  We can serve others and become more Christlike in the meantime. And these 4 guys in the picture above are my world.  We are so close and have such a great relationship with each other.  They all make me so proud and are each extraordinary in their own way.

 

We were able to speak with Elder Prescott for quite awhile and he is truly happy.  He has had an exciting week with Elder Groberg - (Kolipoki) that the movie "The Other Side of Heaven" is about  -  coming to visit them.  He spoke to them, then shook their hands and visited with all of the elders.  The missionaries got to meet his wife, children and grandchildren.  That was a highlight of his whole mission. 

Troy also spoke about how we in America take things for granted.  They go to meals at members' homes and their dinner is often noodles made outside on a pot over the fire because there is not electricity or running water.  Some of the members are so poor, and then try to help the missionaries by giving them money.  The thing is that these people would gladly give all, when they have nothing themselves.  And they are happy people, not feeling a bit sad for what they don't have, but rejoicing in what they do.

 

Three months from today our elder will come home.  I will be forever grateful that we have had the opportunity to share just a tiny bit of Troy's mission.  That boy has grown into a fine young man.  He has a great head on his shoulders and his testimony has been strengthened.  And he is grateful.  Grateful for what he has learned, the experiences he has had, the friendships he has made, and the increased love that he has for his Savior.  Best present ever!

 

Merry Christmas!

50 Years

We recently had a 50th Wedding Annivesary party for David's parents. It was a lot of fun to put together and we girls, with the help of David's cousin and aunt pulled it off.

The most beautiful cake/cupcakes I have ever seen. It was a gorgeous display, and very delicious.  Our friend Crystal did a great job.  I highly recommend her! 

Here are some of the family pix from that day.  The boys will eat almost anything, even those meatballs!  (Next time I'll go with Kathryn's idea and use spaghetti sauce.)

 The Prescott girls.  We make a good team.  And we sure married some amazing men!

 Three of the Prescott "boys". 

 

Here they are with their dad a few years ago :) 
Front to back - left to right -

Kevin, Brien, Jamey, David, Max.  Aren't they so cute?  We put together a slideshow of their pictures through the years, and it was so fun to watch.  It's hard to imagine some of those clothes were ever in style.  What amazed me more is how much Jason looked like Brien as little boys, and Brien looks just like Max did back then.  And my cute hubby grew into those ears!  They turned out to be some fine men and fathers. 

Joy and Max sure did good (although some may have wondered during those teenage years).  And we girls couldn't have done better with picking boys with great parents for our in-laws.

 

Happy 50 years together!  We love you!!



Temple Lights

 If you haven't had the opportunity to get to the temple yet this month, I'd say you need to plan a time to get there before they take down the Christmas lights & displays. Not only do they have these beautiful things to SEE but they also have music playing that adds to the wonderful atmosphere. I've heard that they also have people there singing, I haven't witnessed this myself but my son's have & they said it was great. If you aren't able to go inside the temple, this is a wonderful way to get a feel of the spirit that is inside.

It really is beautiful.... These pictures really don't do it justice though.

Young Women Activities

David made this several years ago when he was in the Bishopric and attended Young Women. It's one of my favorite things, although when he was working on it, he drove me crazy!  He's such a perfectionist and it had to be just so.  Lovely picture, right??!!

This is his latest YW Creation. 

 

He has more patience than I do, for sure!  Somebody enjoys Young Women just a liiiiitttle too much. 

A letter to the birthday boy

Dear Simon,
Yesterday was your 18th birthday & I can't believe you are already that old. It seems like I blinked & you are now grown. You were by far the easiest baby of all my boys which was such a relief to me as I went from having 2 sons to 3. I did worry about that transition but you made it so much easier with your happy, easy going disposition - even as a baby. As a small child you were such a comedian & always wanted to make us laugh. You found great joy in making us happy. I can still remember the funny faces & silly words you'd do & say, they bring a smile to my face even now.

I know being the third son in a family of 4 boys can not always be easy. But you have handled it as always, with your usual self assurance & ease. You really do have the best of both worlds as you are a younger & older brother. I'm so thankful that you & your brothers all finally get along. I love to watch you all interact, joke & hang out together. It has made us so proud to watch you all develop your different talents & thankful that you all enjoy doing them together (skateboarding, music, church, etc). You may not realize how lucky you are to have the bond that you have with your brothers but you are! I only hope that as you all grow older you all stay close and cherish & nurture those relationships.

I look forward to your future - as anything is possible if you put your mind & energy into it. You are a hard worker especially when you are doing something you love. Thank you for all the times you help your dad with projects around the house. He knows that if there is a job to be done, he can count on you to follow through. We both appreciate that! Your dad & I only want the best for you & hope that you continue to make good choices - as your choices now will really shape the kind of life you have as an adult.

It will be fun to sit back when we are old (I know you think we are old now! But I mean really old, like great grandma & grandpa old) & reflect on all the accomplishments of your life. I know you are capable of great things, I can't wait to see it all unfold. I love you son, thanks for picking me to be your mom. I'm thankful for the young man you are growing up to be. I am thankful that you are loving & caring, thoughtful & kind. Keep it up!